A COMMUNITY is in shock after a popular post office, described as an integral part of the village, was raided for the second time in just over three years.

A COMMUNITY is in shock after a popular post office, described as an integral part of the village, was raided for the second time in just over three years.

The owners of Elveden Stores, near Thetford, were too shocked to speak over the weekend after an unarmed man burst into the shop and threatened the female proprietor before making off with a quantity of cash.

The terrifying incident at the London Road store comes just three years after the shop was ransacked by a man and a woman during a frightening early morning raid.

This latest incident has caused widespread concern in the close-knit community and police are now calling for the public to help catch the man.

Jim Clarke, landlord of the Elveden Inn, said: "It is a disgraceful thing to happen and I feel very sorry for the owners who are fairly new and trying to get the business back on its feet.

"They are working extremely hard and I am sure this would have knocked them back a few pegs.

"I have been told they are still in quite a distressed state and it is a shock for the whole village.

"They have settled in very well and the store is an integral part of the village. The community consists of a number of elderly people who rely on the shop and for this to happen is disgusting."

Steve Richards, a former district councillor in Elveden for eight years, said: "This brings home how vulnerable post offices are and it is a sad reflection of our times.

"This will be a big shock for the whole close-knit community in Elveden and I really don't know what can be done to stop these crimes.

"Post offices are shutting down all the time and it is unfortunate but understandable."

The shop was also targeted in June 2000 when former owners David and Jackie Inman were confronted by a knife-wielding robber.

Mr Inman struggled with the female raider after she knocked on his door asking for water for her car.

As the couple fought off the woman, a male accomplice ransacked their home before grabbing Mr Inman and threatening him.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the latest raid, which took place at 4.05pm on Friday .

The man, believed to be in his early 20s, is described as white, 6ft tall with an average to medium build.

He was wearing a dark blue hooded sweat top, with the hood pulled over his face, a white t-shirt or top underneath and dirty blue jeans with patches of oil on them.

A police spokesman also revealed he may have driven off in a burgundy red Ford Orion or Ford Escort towards the Newmarket area.

Anyone with any information should contact DC Andy Pearle at Mildenhall Police Station on 01284 774277 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.